2015 Sussex County Profile booked for economic recruitment

Pictured at Tuesday’s unveiling of the 2015 Sussex County Profile, front, from left: Sussex County Profile publisher Darel LaPrade, Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson, County Council members Joan Deaver and Sam Wilson and Sussex County Economic Development Director Melody Booker-Wilkins; back row, County Council members Michael Vincent, George Cole and Rob Arlett.

County leaders say there’s plenty to celebrate in Sussex County in 2015.

That excitement is showcased in this year’s edition of the annual Profile magazine that serves as a primary business/industry recruitment tool for the County.

Two weeks later than originally scheduled thanks to a snowy Jan. 27 forecast that proved to be a dud, the 2015 Sussex County Profile was unveiled Tuesday at the Sussex County Association of Realtors complex before a luncheon audience of local, county and state officials, business, industry and tourism representatives and staff from Independent Newsmedia Inc., which publishes the magazine.

Sussex County Councilman Rob Arlett, Clerk of the Council Robin Griffith and County Finance Director Gina Jennings check out the 2015 Sussex County Profile.

“We’re really excited about some of the things that we’ve got going on here in the County. We took a very close look at the Profile this year and the information contained in it,” said Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson, acknowledging the contributions of County staff that included Communications Director Chip Guy, Deputy Administrator Hal Godwin, Sussex County Economic Development Director Melody Booker-Wilkins and County Finance Director Gina Jennings. “We really dug into the Profile. I’m very proud of the product that we were able to develop.”

The 2015 Profile is filled with handy information on Sussex County agriculture, tourism, economics, education, communities, quality of life, health-care/medical services, Chambers of Commerce, services for the senior-age population and more.

The Profile is often one of the initial connections between the County and a prospective business.

“This year it is better than ever. And how could it not be? After all, our topic is Sussex County, undoubtedly among the very best places on the planet to live,” said Darel LaPrade, publisher of the Sussex County Profile and several of INI’s Delmarva-based weeklies. “And I am absolutely confident that in the hands of Melody (Booker-Wilkins) and her team, this year’s profile will be used more effectively than ever.”

Among the invited guests on hand for Tuesday’s unveiling of the 2015 Sussex County Profile: State Rep. Ruth Briggs-King, Laurel Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Don Dykes and Bridgeville Town Manager Jesse Savage.

“We could not have done it without the help of Darel’s team and INI,” said Mr. Lawson. “We’re so very much appreciative of all the help and assistance that they provided.”

“I have been to these unveilings before but I have never been more proud of being here today and working for Sussex County as the Sussex County Economic Development Director,” said Ms. Booker-Wilkins. “I have only been in this role for 3 ½ months and you can trust in me, I have hit the ground running from Day 1. Why is that? Well, it’s because of the full support of each and every County Council member as well as our County administrative leadership team.”

Mr. Lawson echoed Ms. Booker-Wilkins’ optimism.

“Sussex County Council is moving into a new era of economic development and the business and industry of the County,” said Mr. Lawson. “We’re getting serious and putting our money where our mouth is. That’s a good thing for us; that’s a good thing for you.”

“I’ve got the best job in my opinion in the state. Why? Because there are so many positives going on in the County, and I get the opportunity to help promote it,” said Ms. Booker-Wilkins. “We collectively are working together to fulfill the economic development mission. Our mission is to ignite business development by focusing on the expansion, the recruitment and the retention of businesses here in Sussex County. Let’s work together on making this year the year of opportunity for Sussex.”

Mr. LaPrade reflected on the Profile’s 19-year run.

“In one way for better or worse I have been involved in all 19 editions of the Sussex County Profile. And now thinking back to the first Issue I am hard pressed to believe that the Profile will turn 20 next year,” said Mr. LaPrade. “Next year for the 20th edition, I will go out on a limb and predict we will outdo ourselves one more time.”

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